The YAmazing Race is a crazy, whirlwind, Apocalypsie blog hop featuring over 50 debut authors and prize packs featuring ARCs, Pre-orders, gift certificates, swag, and more! If you haven’t yet been to the Apocalypsies website, please click HERE to start from the beginning and read the complete rules. (FYI–There have been a couple small changes since the first race to make the race even easier to run. Yay!!!) Although my post is up and ready to go, REMEMBER THAT THE RACE DOESN’T OFFICIALLY BEGIN UNTIL WEDNESDAY 5/2 at NOON-EST!

Now on to the race! (Read carefully, your clue is in the synopsis.)

TOUCHING THE SURFACE By: Kimberly Sabatini

October 30, 2012
Simon Pulse – Simon and Schuster

Life altering mistakes are meant to alter lives…

When Elliot dies for the third time, she knows this is her last shot. There are no fourth-timers in this afterlife, so one more chance is all she has to get things right. But before she can move on to her next life, Elliot will be forced to face her past and delve into the painful memories she’d rather keep buried. Memories of people she’s hurt, people she’s betrayed…and people she’s killed.

As she pieces together the mistakes of her past, Elliot must earn the forgiveness of her best friend and reveal the truth about herself to the two boys she loves…even if it means losing them both forever.

Before I get to my “Road Block” *giggle* I thought I’d share my cover proof with you…

Okay–it’s time for your Road Block, but I won’t make it too hard because I know you’re on your way to the next Pitstop. If you decide to stop and play, you have the opportunity to win a Pre-order of TOUCHING THE SURFACE (Sorry I don’t have any ARCs–they locked them all away because they know I’d give them out in about 30 seconds LOL! All requests for ARCs must be placed through Simon Pulse.) Of course when I send the winner their pre-order confirmation information–I’ll be throwing in some swag. Don’t forget to make sure that your comment has a viable email contact included. (You can’t win if I can’t reach you.) And yes, this contest is open internationally.

So, your question is…

WHAT IS IT ABOUT TOUCHING THE SURFACE THAT INTRIGUES YOU THE MOST? It can be the cover, the synopsis, or even how the story line or characters relate to something in your own life. I’m just curious to know what makes you curious about my book.

Lastly, don’t forget to get your next clue…You’re off to see Shelley Coriell debut author of WELCOME CALLER, THIS IS CHLOE. What are you waiting for…GO!!!!!

I am so excited for touching the surface! It’s one of the releases that is marked on my ipod. (pretty much the new releases I’m most excited for.) The cover for touching the surface is absolutely beautiful, and the synopsis makes me want to read it even more. Not to mention the author seems pretty darn epic, so I don’t know if I can pick which intrigues me the most!

Kelli–If it wasn’t my book, that’s what would draw me too it too. I’ve always been horribly afraid of making some unforgivable mistake in my life. No coincidence that this showed up in my writing. Thanks for sharing. (((Hugs)))

Hmmmm….The thing that interests me the most about your book…well, there are alot of things-but the first thing that caught my attention was that she died, and came back to life. I like the idea of second chances to try and atone for previous mistakes…

WHAT IS IT ABOUT TOUCHING THE SURFACE THAT INTRIGUES YOU THE MOST? It can be the cover, the synopsis, or even how the story line or characters relate to something in your own life. I’m just curious to know what makes you curious about my book.

ALL OF THE ABOVE!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂 the cover reminds me of my drawings so thats a plus!!! 🙂

This is the line that hooked me, “But before she can move on to her next life, Elliot will be forced to face her past and delve into the painful memories she’d rather keep buried. Memories of people she’s hurt, people she’s betrayed…and people she’s killed.”

I think we’ve all done things we’re not proud of, and if we haven’t owned up to them, they lurk in the back corners of our mind waiting for others to discover and hold us accountable. Can’t wait to read this.

Honestly the cover intrigues me the most, though it all seems amazing. I love how the design carries on through both the front and the back covers, and how the paper birds and the background seem to pass in a blur. Plus, it’s primary color is purple, which is my all-time favorite color. So it’s a complete win in my book 🙂

Email: maurapedia@gmail.com
The synopsis, especially this line: Memories of people she’s hurt, people she’s betrayed…and people she’s killed. The cover is gorgeous too; it would definitely catch my eye.

What intrigues me most about this book is the cover first off. I know that they say not to judge a book by it’s cover but I can’t help it when the cover looks amazing I just have to read about the book. I absolutely was pulled in once I started reading the synopsis. I’m just wondering now how Elliot has died the other two times and what she did and what’s going to happen now..there’s just so many questions running through my head. lol I don’t think I’ve ever read anything like this and I must say I’m definatly interested and can’t wait to get some answers. 🙂

Before I read the entire summary I thought maybe as it was saying “..delve into the painful memories she’d rather keep buried.” that those memories involved her death or someway she had been hurt but then it said “Memories of people she’s hurt, people she’s betrayed…and people she’s killed.” and That’s what made me think this sounds like an interesting book.

I like the fact that she gets chances to do it over again, not to mention I’m curious as to why she needs to. The fact that she has to relive some moments before being sent back also draws me in.
Very intrigued by it. Thank you for the chance!

I absolutely adore the cover of TOUCHING THE SURFACE . . . I know they say “don’t judge a book by its cover” but I must say, I had an inkling that I was going to want to get my hands on a copy once I read the blurb. And I was right.

I know why they say that about covers–the outside doesn’t make the inside–but I can’t help but having visual judgements. It would never stop me from reading a highly recommended book, but honestly. Some covers just speak to me. I am so honored that mine speaks to you. I hope what’s inside lives up to your expectations. <3

I love the synopsis. But mostly I just love the premise. Books that deal with Death are always my favorite. I love Elsewhere, 13 Reasons Why, Before I Die, If I Stay, The Everafter, Before I Fall, etc.

The first time I came across your book, I was pleasantly surprised by the cover. I find it so beautiful and unique. And after I read the description I was like: ‘I NEED to read this book right NOW!’ I was a bit disappointed when I found out it won’t be released until October. The thing that intrigues me the most is that sentence: ‘Life altering mistakes are meant to alter lifes’. I found it so mysterious. I simply can’t wait for your book to come out.

Awwww I wrote that line. When I was originally pitching this book, I was selling it as a “dead girl book.” Then I realized that the afterlife was only the setting–that there was a concept hidden in there that was even more important–more true. That line is what I came up with. *heart squish*

First I was drawn in by the cover, but then I read the summary and now I need to read it! It reminded me a lot of Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver, but it’s different because the main character has to earn forgiveness and fess up about her past. I can’t wait to read it!

I love the cover, but it I came across it before the cover was revealed and the synopsis intrigued me right away. I have so many question I want answered. Why is she dead for the third time? Who did she hurt, betray and (gulp) kill? Who did she hurt the most? Those are just some of the question I want to know the answers to. I love that the synopsis keeps it mysterious and doesn’t reveal too much, but still draws you in.

I also love the cover, it’s beautiful!! Books about the afterlife always sound good to me. Also the added mystery of who she killed, hurt, and betrayed. Can’t wait to read this. Thank you for the giveaway :oD

Anyways, WHY I want it is easy. The cover is beautiful and the sypnosis? Kill me! (Excuse the pun) I love those afterlife stories, expecially about second chances. Romance is a great plus too. And I’ve done my fair share of things I regret, things I wish I’d NEVER done. So that’s naother part of it.

What intrigues me most about Touching the Surface is that is has a supernatural premise, but the meat of the story seems very down to earth and looks like it deals with current issues. I like that combo! Really looking forward to reading it! Thanks:)

I want to find out how it’s related to water. The title “Touching the Surface”, and then the excerpt at the back led me to think that drowning is an important part of the story whether it’s metaphorical or not… interesting!

First off- the cover is gorgeous! The story sounds really different because of how flawed the main character is, and the mistakes she has made. The darkness and grittiness mixed with the idea of coming to terms with it all is very appealing.

As the writer…it’s always a little scary to write a flawed character–you run the risk of them being unlikable, but I also think that if you can do it well, that flawed character becomes a part of you. I hope you find a connection with my Elliot when you read her story. <3

What is it about TOUCHING THE SURFACE that intrigues me the most? Is it cheating to say ALL OF IT–the whole shebang? I mean, you’ve got the most gorgeous cover of all, and now that I’ve seen how it wraparounds to the back…I want it even more! Then, your synopsis is such a hook, I can’t wait to read it! And, you’ve got a plug from Daisy Whitney, who I adore, and she gives it a “fresh take on what happens next.” I mean, how much better can you get? Then, you already know I’ve got love plugging the preorder on my blog and Michelle’s twitter recommendation. Pretty much everyone on the PLANET has told me in person (and some subliminally) that I should get this. Oh, and my relatives whispered from the afterlife that yours is THE only book they’re reading there…but I digress.

I know this is long, but I REALLY am intrigued and eager to read and review this one. I. can’t. Wait!!

Not entering since I’ve won from you already (THANK YOU! I’ll make sure to email you when I receive the pre-order confirmation in the mail :)), but I just wanted to reiterate how much I love this cover!! Especially the close ups of the proof, it’s just so beautiful.

Is the idea of the main character dying three times based in anyway on the reincarnation cycle/wheel or that of the Greek myth of Elysium fields that you can choose to be reincarnated three times and if each time you have made it back to Elysium you can get into The Isles of Blest. Books that deal with mythological aspects of death and rebirth always interest me and the cover is gorgeous! Touching the Surface is definitely going on my to-read list!

I have to say, the first thing that caught my eye was “When Elliot dies for the third time, she knows this is her last shot”. That single sentence immediately drew me in. How did she die the last three times? How does she know she can only live four times? Is she self aware during her life of her previous existences? Does her personality remain? All those questions are running through my mind and now I’m anxious to read it. Oh, and the cover is absolutely gorgeous too. If I were in a bookstore, the cover would catch my eye, and the synopsis would have me hooked 🙂

The cover is so pretty and dreamy! I really like how the synopsis raises questions in my mind that just have to be answered. And that picture, how it says “I had died… again” is really intriguing! I know I’m going to love this book.

Well, Touching The Surface has been on my wishlist for a while now after reading the blurb before. It was really mysterious and intriguing. I don’t really judge a book by its cover as well but the cover was really gorgeous. I’m really curious about those white flying things–are those paper planes?–and if they have any connection at all with the story and if they have what’s their significance. 🙂

Bottomline, I’m pretty much curious about everything. Touching The Surface sounds so brilliant! I cannot wait to read it! 😀

The cover is what draws me to this book. But I’ve seen some people talking about it here and there, never too much, but just enough to know they love it. So that’s what intrigues me. I want to know what it is that others are already loving =)

What intrigues me the most about TOUCHING THE SURFACE? Loads of things! First of all, the cover is GORGEOUS and extremely eye-catching. Secondly, the synopsis just takes my breath away. I really can’t wait to get my hands on this book!

WHAT IS IT ABOUT TOUCHING THE SURFACE THAT INTRIGUES YOU THE MOST?
The name of the character. Elliot. To me that sounds like a boy’s name, but it isn’t in this book. It intrigues me enough to want to read it!
email: erk4psu@yahoo.com

I’ve never heard of this book before coming to your page, it sounds amazing! What intrigued me the most was the idea of their being a limit to the number of times someone can come back to life. It’s such an interesting idea, and I can’t wait to find out what happens in this book!! vintage.lola.85@gmail.com

I am intrigued by the idea that Elliot has to atone for all her mistakes. I think that all too often our fictional heroes are, if not flawless, free from any sins that are too egregious. But human beings are flawed, and when we make a mistake, we have to deal with it, and not deny it. So getting a chance to read a heroine who does that, if in a more metaphysical sense, is fascinating to me.
Thanks for the great giveaway!

I think everything about Elliot intrigues me at the moment. I love to read about flawed characters and Elliot definitely seems to be one, it’s make them much more real. I’m also intrigued to know about her deaths, her past and the redemption she seeks. BTW absolutely adore the cover!!

Squeeeeeee !! I’m so glad that youre part of the race Kimberly because I’m dying to read your book !! What first intrigued me about your book was the cover since it was the first thing that catched my attention : this cover looks stunning and I also absolutely love the title !! But then I read the blurb and I love the fact that the heroin is named Elliot : I don’t know about the US but in France (yeah I’m FRench) it’s actually a boy’s name and I love this name .. My niece is actually named Elliot 🙂 !! I also love the sound of Touchin the Surface and I canrt wait to get my hands on a copy !!
Thank you sooo much for making the giveaway international !!
Hugs,
Elodie,ninie2310@hotmail.fr

OMG!!! I’m such a big fan of stolen boy names. I always wanted my own name to be one LOL! Your niece sounds adorable and thank you soooooo much for your enthusiasm about TOUCHING THE SURFACE. It makes me giddy. I am so excited for this book to start to make it’s way to readers. Hearing you talk makes this whole crazy process worth while. (((Hugs)))

This story sounds really interesting. I like all the mystery wrapped up in just the short summary! It makes me want to read it to find out how she died (every time!), who it was that pulled her out of the water, and why the heck she killed people! I would love to read this book!

The story of book intrigues me the most, Elliot seems very interesting character and I’m very curious about her life. She makes me to want to learn more about her. The cover is so beautiful.
Thank you for the giveaway!
artgiote at gmail dot com

For me, it’s the bit on the back–the moment she realizes she’s died again. There’s something so matter-of-fact about the way it’s written, but the concept is so unusual–it really makes me want to read more.

Sorry, this is going to sound generic, but when I first saw your book, I loved the cover. It’s so mysterious! I love the swirl effect of the girl and her hair. And the birds around the girl add to the mysterious tone! I think your cover designers did a great job 😀

I agree with you 100% about the cover designers!!! I am so pleased. And FYI I think there is nothing wrong with being pulled in my a cover first. If you won’t read a book, even after you keep hearing it’s great, just because you hate the cover–well that’s a little weird. But who does that? LOL!

What doesn’t intrigue me about Touching the Surface? At first it was dying three times. But, then my eyes bulged out of my head when I read Elliot has killed people. What?! Who?! Why?! How?! I need to know!

The cover of this book is absolutely beautiful, by the way. The purples and the birds are so pretty! Are those origami birds?

The most intriguing thing to me is the part of the synopsis that says that she needs to earn the forgiveness of the people she’s killed. Because really, how many people go around asking for forgiveness from the person they’ve murdered?

And would anyone actually give it? Sometimes you hear stories–but they kind of leave you gaping, right? But this….Oh, October…hurry up and get here. I just want to talk to everyone about this stuff!!!!! LOL!!!!

The blurb sounds simply intriguing but I think I must say…the cover! I just looked at it, really looked, and saw what a wonderful cover it truly it. The colouring, the effects, the murky background, the birds mid pause and the girl’s hair spraying up as she turns her head. Lovely.

The cover intrigued me right away, but the first sentence of the flap jacket’s summary is what initially made me curious about Touching the Surface. Any character who has died for the third time automatically makes me curious!

Your cover art is beautiful and the story sounds captivating. What peeks my interest most is having a flawed protagonist who’s done some pretty terrible things in her past…then coming clean, finding her way and hopefully herself!

When Elliot dies for the third time… I’m intrigued! Sounds interesting & mysterious. I would love to win Touching the Surface, good luck to me =) Adding it to my tbr list. Thanks for the giveaway & participating in the yamazing race!

Ummm…EVERYTHING!!! Chuck ’em all in, the synopsis really caught my attention. I love the front cover of Touching the Surface, I know you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover and all, but it’s AWESOME!!! 😀
Thanks for the giveaway!

The summery itself sounds amazing, I like the whole plot idea of the book. But I really the colors of the cover and the weird bird things! I think it looks super cool!
jacksandnumbers(at)hotmail(dot)com

The first line of the synopsis was enough! I love the idea of dying multiple times and, each time you’re returned to life, trying to remedy the mistakes you’ve made. So fascinating! And of course the cover is gorgeous. Thank you for the giveaway! My email is jenifleura{at}gmail{dot}com. xx

Aside from the gorgeous cover, I think this book has potential just from reading the synopsis. I like books that have paranormal aspects, but are also very much like a contemporary YA in that it deals with real issues that would be accessible to teens.

Hmm… I think that the storyline was the most intriguing part about Touching the Surface for me. I’m just naturally curious so I guess I wanted to know what makes revealing the truth about her so terrible that she could lose the two boys she loves forever. Thanks for writing this book and for the giveaway! 🙂

Everything! Not only is it beautiful but Touching the Surface obviously has depth… true depth. That’s something that seems to be lacking in a lot of the books I’ve read lately. Not that these books aren’t great because they are, but Touching the Surface seems like it will touch more than just the surface for me 🙂
TTS is definitely on my TBR list! I can’t wait to read it 🙂
-Oliviamonalivia91@gmail.com

You caught me off guard–you made me get a little teary. I know that every writer invests so much of themselves in the books they create, so it isn’t fair to think that I give more than anyone else. But what I do know is that I’ve tried to come to the table from a very personally honest place. I’ve made myself quite vulnerable by exploring what I have and it’s taken me a bit of mental prep work to reconcile that my heart and soul were actually going to be quite public. It’s beautiful and frightening at the same time. I’ve come to realize that I can’t write if I don’t do this–not well anyway. But some days it’s a little scary. Having someone feel the depth of what I wrote from a small sample of my words gives me such a feeling of hope and joy about what I’ve got to share. Thank you so much for taking the time to say that–to share. It really means a lot to me. <3

I love the cover but I really like the idea of the MC having had three lives. Plus, I love the slogan “Life altering mistakes are meant to alter lives …” I can’t wait to read Touching the Surface when it comes out. Thank you for the giveaway.

I think the thing that caught my eye was her 3 deaths. It has a certain cat like feature. Usually when a person reads a book they are fighting for that characters only death.. I think reading about a character that has already died a few times would be interesting. I also love the purple shade in the background of the cover. :3

Thanks for the amazing giveaway! The cover is what totally caught my attention first– It’s absolutely gorgeous! The story sounds SO amazing as well. Totally original, suspenseful, and has definitely got my attention 🙂